What often occurs when water-soluble fertilizers are spread on farmland?

When water-soluble fertilizers are applied to farmland, they are readily absorbed by plants but often lead to runoff into nearby waterways if not fully utilized by the crops. This runoff can cause an excess of nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus, in the water bodies. The process known as eutrophication occurs when these nutrients promote excessive growth of algae and aquatic plants, leading to a range of environmental issues.

Eutrophication can result in the depletion of oxygen in the water, harming aquatic life and disrupting ecosystems. It creates dead zones where aquatic life cannot survive due to low oxygen levels, ultimately degrading water quality and disrupting the balance of aquatic habitats. This phenomenon highlights the importance of managing fertilizer application to minimize ecological impacts and maintain sustainable agricultural practices.